A life of service
Rev. Dr. Jegath Gaspar Raj is a Catholic priest belonging to the Diocese of Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. He has ministered in various parishes and institutions for 27 years and currently holds regional-level assignments.
A staunch believer in democracy, equity, gender justice and environmental peace, he resists ideologies and politics of hate and exclusion, and considers a fearless voice a crucial instrument of fairness and justice. He founded The Rise — a global organisation of Tamil entrepreneurs and professionals — and several other initiatives across society, culture, education, media, religion and politics. He is regarded as a public intellectual by global Tamils.
Leadership and roles
- The Rise Global — Founder
- CTACIS — Founder
- Thamizhoor — Founder
- Goodwill Communications Ltd. — Chairman & Managing Director
- Tamil Maiyam — Founder
- Give Life — Co-Founder
- EarthSmiles — Founder
- PalmyraNation — Co-Founder
Selected work
- Radio Veritas Asia (1995–2001) — Director of the Tamil department in Manila, known internationally as a broadcaster, humanitarian and human rights activist.
- Tamil Maiyam (2002) — Founded to promote arts, culture and scholarly research in Tamil; its first project was Thiruvasakam in Symphony by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with more than 250 artists and technicians from Hungary, the USA and India.
- Chennai Sangamam — Co-created the biggest open festival in India.
- Project Give Life (2007) — Co-created with Akhila Srinivasan, MD, Shriram Life Insurance; so far it has supported the education of 47,000 underprivileged children.
- CTACIS — Founded the Confederation of Tamil Agriculture, Commerce, Industry and Services, today an inclusive platform of more than 500 small and medium entrepreneurs.
- The RISE — Founded the global organisation of Tamil entrepreneurs and professionals.
Education
- M.A. (Political Science) — Madurai Kamaraj University
- B.A. (History) — University of Madras
- B.A. (Philosophy) — Urbaniana University, Rome, Italy
- B.A. (Theology) — Sacred Heart College, Poonamallee, Chennai